Barapullah Phase-III opening triggers severe traffic congestion in Delhi

The opening of the Barapullah Phase-III elevated corridor in Delhi has caused severe traffic congestion across major routes, including the Ring Road, Mathura Road, and DND Flyway. While the 9-km project was intended to provide a signal-free connection between Mayur Vihar Phase-I and Sarai Kale Khan, commuters have reported travel times significantly longer than anticipated.

A joint drone survey by the Delhi Traffic Police and the Public Works Department (PWD) identified critical design flaws causing the gridlock. The primary issue is a major bottleneck at the merging point near Sundarial Park, where traffic from the new three-lane corridor is forced into a narrower existing stretch. In some sections, six lanes of traffic are squeezed into just two or three lanes. Additionally, a lane at one merging point ends at a sharp, nearly 90-degree angle, complicating vehicle movement.

The congestion has also been exacerbated by a shift in driver behavior, as many motorists who previously used NH-24 and the DND Flyway are now utilizing the new corridor. Authorities are currently reviewing the geometry of the merging points to propose smoother curvatures and are considering the installation of new traffic signals to regulate flow.